Stocks of interest on the Australian Securities Exchange on Friday:
CBA – COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA – down 39 cents, or 0.5 per cent, at $75.81
Australia’s largest lender says it is “reasonably positive” about the strength of the economy, even though it has not seen any improvement in consumer or business confidence in recent months.
GNC – GRAINCORP – up one cent, or 0.1 per cent, at $8.69
GrainCorp can now compete more easily with rivals, after the competition watchdog decided the grains handler’s port terminal services in Newcastle will be exempt from some regulation.
PRR – PRIMA BIOMED – up 0.3 cents, or 7.9 per cent, at 4.1 cents
Cancer treatment developer Prima Biomed is set to significantly expand its drug development portfolio through the acquisition of French biopharmaceutical firm Immutep SA.
TAH – TABCORP – up one cent, or 0.3 per cent, at $3.65
Tabcorp has received the all clear from the competition watchdog to buy the ACT government’s gaming business ACTTAB in a $105.5 million deal.
VAH – VIRGIN AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS – down 0.5 cents, or 1.3 per cent, at 37 cents
Virgin Australia has been given the go ahead to sell a 35 per cent stake in its Velocity loyalty Program.
WTF – WOTIF.COM – up 20 cents, or 6.5 per cent, at $3.29
Australia’s competition watchdog has given the green light for global travel booking giant Expedia’s $700 million takeover of Wotif.com.
